Cobra sx outdrive stuck after replacing gimbal bearing

[chuongnino]

Complete newbie here. I took on the challenge to replace bellows and gimbal bearing for my outdrive yesterday. Everything went smooth but I have been struggling to put the outdrive back. It is only about 1.5 inch from being all the way back in. Any trick/tool you can suggest me trying? I kick/push/shake all I can but it won’t budge. Took it in and out like 10 times already. Any input is greatly appreciated!!!

 

[blurry]

is there anything blocking it? When I put my SX-M back on yesterday the shift cable wasn't in the right place - felt it at about the same distance.

 

[Bondo]

Complete newbie here. I took on the challenge to replace bellows and gimbal bearing for my outdrive yesterday. Everything went smooth but I have been struggling to put the outdrive back. It is only about 1.5 inch from being all the way back in. Any trick/tool you can suggest me trying? I kick/push/shake all I can but it won’t budge. Took it in and out like 10 times already. Any input is greatly appreciated!!!

Ayuh,...... Welcome Aboard,...... Did you align the gimbel bearin', with an alignment bar,..??..??

If not, that's yer problem,......

 

[dypcdiver]

To add my bit, did you put it in gear and turn the propshaft to align the splines?

 

[chuongnino]

Thank ya’ll. Admittedly I was ignorance on the alignment bar. Knew it but was hoping I don’t have to use it so I can be on the lake asap (waiting for shipment is like 7-10 business days). Also I was stupid enough to not put it in forward gear before pulling the drive- the 3 instructions/youtube I follow did not mention about that. However I believe I did not break anything visible and the shift cable is intact and in right place now. The prop shaft splines are aligned and in the coupler at least 1 inch as I see on the grease mark. I also did try starting the engine And shift the gear, the prop shaft is definitely turning.....